Switzerland vs Portugal betting tips, predictions and football betting preview for tonight’s World Cup 2018 qualifying match in Group B.
It’s the first game of Group B qualification for the 2018 World Cup and Portugal travel to St Jakob Park as they look to topple the recent European Champions. We’ve got the best three football tips for the game.
Switzerland v Portugal Preview
Switzerland
Unlike their opponents, Switzerland haven’t played a warm up match ahead of this. They come into this off a largely disappointing Euro 2016 campaign as they look to see off the Champions and pick up their first three points ahead of Russia 2018.
Their preparation has been hampered by the ongoing saga of Granit Xhaka possibly switching his allegiance to Kosovo. The Arsenal midfielder has been subject of a call up from the newly formed Kosovan side. Despite being a part of the Swiss side in the summer, he could opt to defect and offer his services to the country of his birth.
It’s not an ideal situation as Vladimir Petkovic will be hoping for 100% focus from his players ahead of this one as they look to bounce back after being knocked out on penalties in France.
They only won one game in the summer tournament which was an opener against Albania. A Fabian Schar goal after just five minutes was enough, but they were under the cosh from their opponents as the game wore on.
They have been struggling for goals. In the build up to the tournament, they beat Moldova 2-1, which was far from convincing and then netted just three times in four games at the summer tournament.
The Swiss will be buoyed by the fact they beat Portugal in the last competitive game between the two. A 2-0 win in 2008 which saw Hakan Yakim net a double. A similar scoreline here will do nicely.
Portugal
The European Champions will be looking to start on the front foot here and grab their first three points of the qualification campaign. They will have to do so without Christiano Ronaldo though who misses out as he recovers from injury. He’s only just returned to the Real Madrid squad following the setback and Fernando Santos will have to do without his services.
He played in fits and starts during the summer and it is likely to give Santos an opportunity to try alternative formations.
They hit five against Gibraltar on Thursday with Nani hitting a brace. Bernardo Silva is back in the squad after missing the summer through injury and he marked his return with a goal too. It was his first appearance for the national side since the end of March.
Also missing out is Ricardo Carvalhal and Vieirinha, who are replaced by Joao Cancelo and Porto striker Andre Silva. The former netted on debut. They are likely to both be involved again here.
Santos said he wanted to maintain the base of the team who were successful in France and we saw Nani, Eder and Ricardo Quaresma start as a front three whilst Pepe and Bruno Alves were the two centre backs.
Despite winning the tournament in France, many people felt they were lucky and didn’t perform to their maximum ability. They will have to be more decisive here if they want to see off the Swiss.
Switzerland vs Portugal Betting Predictions
Portugal have largely stuck with the same squad which was successful in the summer. They were difficult to beat and break down and should be equally tough here. Switzerland were disappointing and didn’t score enough during the tournament. The price on Portugal Draw No Bet is big enough to be backed here and that’s my first Switzerland vs Portugal prediction tonight. The best odds are Evens with William Hill.
Portugal Draw No Bet – Evens with William Hill.
The traders are not expecting goals here as they price the Under 2.5 at around 4/7. There’s better value on backing both teams not to score here. Portugal showed their defence is solid and they could keep their opponents out here so I’m going for both teams to score? No as my second football tip on tonight’s qualifier.
Both Teams to Score? No – 31/40 with Bet Victor.
Nani netted twice during the game with Gibraltar and should continue where he left off in the summer. He found his shooting boots in France and although he isn’t as prolific as Portugal fans would like, he does look the likeliest threat and he’s going to be tonight’s anytime goalscorer tip for Switzerland vs Portugal.
Anytime Goalscorer Prediction – Nani – 39/10 with 888Sport.
Switzerland vs Portugal Betting Tips
Portugal to win (draw no bet) – Evens with William Hill.
Both teams to score? No – 31/40 with Bet Victor.
Nani to score anytime – 39/10 with 888Sport.
Portugal to win 10/1:
We’re tipping 10/1 for Portugal to beat Switzerland on the draw no bet market tonight but if you fancy them to win you can get a massive 10/1 for them to win when you open a new Paddy Power account – simply click the link below and you’ll activate the offer on your new account.
Get 10/1 for PORTUGAL to beat Switzerland via this link.
Jack Critchley
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